Revelation 16:10-11

The fifth trumpet brought the darkening of the earth because of the black cloud from the bottomless pit. (Revelation 9:1-2; Compare Exodus 10:22) In Revelation 13:1-2, we noted the beast gets his power from Satan. His throne would be the center of God-opposing forces. In John's day, that would have been Rome. Now, it might well be Russia. Darkness can represent the loss of understanding and wisdom. (Psalms 69:23; Isaiah 9:19) The wicked chewed on their tongues because of the pain caused by the sores (verse 2), yet spoke against God's name and refused to repent. These bowls must have come in quick succession as the pain is still felt from the first during the fifth.